What are middle school students like?
Question:
Hi! I'm Kimberly Thompson and I'm a new English Teacher in Missouri. I'm
teaching 3 sections of Middle school (and 3 of high school this fall) and
I
don't know much about Middle School Students! All of my prep was in h.s.
Can anyone give me some pointers on what to expect? What do they know? What
do they need to know? Where are they emotionally/psychologically? Help!
*smiles* Thanks!
Kimberly R. Thompson
Answer:
Hi Kimberly! I'm a 7th grade Language Arts
block teacher in Humboldt County, CA. After 4
years of teaching this position, I have come to
understand the psychology of this age group a
little better! The first year was tough! The
teacher I replaced walked out on the class in
February, and no one would take on the class but
me. You'll definitely need firm, consistant
discipline right at the start. Keep your eyes
open! This age group loves to test you! Equally
important is to have a sense of humor, and don't
take a down day personally! Middle schoolers love
surprises, love to work in groups, and work best
when there's plenty to do.
During their jr. high years, kid's bodies are
going though physical, hormonal changes, and can
go from being extremely high & happy to crisis &
tears at any moment! I call this their "bi-polar"
years! They are terribly concerned with their
bodies, clothes, popularity, and tend to be very
critical of others as well as themselves. Our
school counselor is always swamped with kids and
their problems, so I try to make time at lunch for
private talks with kids.
In spite of all this, I do find teaching this
age group very rewarding! I love their energy and
growing sense of humor. It just needs some
channeling! I hope you will have a strong school
principal that will back you up on discipline, and
you may want to inquire whether your school offers
a mentor program. The mentor teacher I had was an
incredible resource and support for me!
As far as what they should know and what they
need to know, talk with other teachers at your
school including ones that teach the grades before
and after the grade level you'll be teaching. It
was helpful for me!
- Linda Harrison